Crispy Sesame-Crusted Tofu Steaks
Best Tofu for Tofu Steaks
Firm tofu used for Tofu Steaks Notice how it’s firm enough to slice into “steaks”
What else you need to make Sesame-Crusted Tofu Steak
For the Teriyaki Sauce
Garnishes
How to make Sesame-Crusted Tofu Steaks
Making the Teriyaki Sauce
Mmm, that Teriyaki Sauce-soaked sesame crust …
What to serve with Sesame-Crusted Tofu
Watch how to make it
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Sesame Crusted Tofu Steaks with Teriyaki Sauce
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 10 minutes
Total: 15 minutes
Main
Japanese(ish), Modern Asian
Servings4
Tap or hover to scale
Recipe video above. Sesame seeds add excellent flavour and give tofu a crispy crust crust that stays crispy even when doused with Teriyaki Sauce. Great quick and easy recipe to convert tofu haters – so far from bland, we're in a different stratosphere!
Ingredients
- 4 extra firm or hard tofu , cut into 10 x 5 x 1.5cm slices (4 x 2 x 0.6″), 100g / 3.5oz each (Note 1)
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
- 2 tbsp flour , plain/all purpose
- 1 egg , lightly whisked
- 4 tbsp white sesame seeds (Note 2) (yes, you really need 4 tbsp!)
- 4 tbsp black sesame seeds (Note 2)
- 2 tbsp canola/vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves , finely sliced 1mm thick (optional, Note 2)
- 1 green onion , finely sliced (for garnish)
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce , preferably Japanese all-purpose, else light soy sauce (Note 4)
- 2 tbsp mirin , preferably Japanese (Note 5)
- 2 tbsp cooking sake , preferably Japanese (Note 6)
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Sesame coating:
- Season tofu: Pat tofu dry with paper towels. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Prepare crust coating: Place flour, egg and sesame in separate bowls (medium shallow bowls or tupperware best).
- Sesame crust: Press tofu into flour, shake off excess. Dip in egg, then let excess drip off before coat in sesame seeds, pressing to adhere all over. Repeat with remaining tofu.
Cooking:
- Crispy garlic: Heat oil in a non stick skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until golden and crisp. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Cook tofu: Turn heat up to medium-high. Place tofu in skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes until the sesame smells nutty and becomes crisp. Turn carefully and cook the other side for 1 1/2 minutes. Then use tongs to prop the tofu steaks up on its sides to sear the edges until crisp – about 30 seconds each side should do it (see video for my technique).
- Drain: Remove tofu to paper towel lined plate.
- Teriyaki Sauce: Lower heat to medium then add Teriyaki Sauce ingredients. Simmer for 1 minute until it reduces to a syrupy consistency, then remove skillet from stove.
- Serve: Place tofu steak on plate. Spoon over Teriyaki Sauce (it clings to sesame, don't worry, crust stays crispy). Sprinkle with garlic and green onion. Devour, then declare, "I LOVE TOFU!!".
Recipe Notes:
1. Firm tofu – Get tofu labelled as “extra firm” or “hard”. You’re after a block that feels like a rubber sponge that you can slice and handle like steak. Not the super-soft jelly-like tofu that you have to handle with care. That will fall to bits if you try to prepare it per this recipe.
Here in Australia, it’s super-handy that tofu often comes in a suitable block size such that you can just slice it and use as-is, no trimming required. Anything around the pictured size is fine. Other shapes, like batons and cubes, will also work – just more turning is required in pan.
Cooking tofu: Tofu doesn’t need to be cooked, we are just making the sesame crispy and heating tofu through.
2. Sesame seeds – Feel free to just use white or black sesame seeds. I use both for visual interest.
3. Garlic – This is to make crispy garlic bits to sprinkle on top. For a shortcut option, just use store-bought crispy shallots (Asian section of Woolies, Coles, or cheaper at Asian stores).
4. Soy sauce – I use Kikkoman for all my Japanese cooking which is the most well known brand, and an excellent all-rounder. It is slightly sweeter and more mild in flavour than Chinese light soy sauce, though that will do in a pinch. Else any other all-rounder soy sauce. DO NOT use anything labelled “dark soy sauce” or “sweet soy sauce” (it will ruin teriyaki sauce!).
5. Mirin – Syrupy and golden coloured, mirin is a heavily sweetened type of rice wine with a deep flavour. It features frequently in Japanese food, introducing sweetness to dishes and when reduced gives glazes like teriyaki their sheen. Good brands include Takara, Manjo and Hinode. Avoid very cheap mirin, which is usually an imitation product.
6. Cooking sake – Rice wine used liberally in Japanese cooking to add umami and depth. Don’t bother wasting that boutique drinking sake you lugged all the way back from Japan for cooking, though! Cooking sake is much cheaper and perfectly acceptable for use, and these days widely available even at grocery stores.
7. Make ahead – Best made fresh so the sesame coating is crispy and toasty. It does stay crispy for a day or so (without sauce on it) but it really is best freshly made. Can resurrect with a quick pan fry to reheat.
8. Nutrition per serving, 1 tofu steak plus sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 298cal (15%)Carbohydrates: 14g (5%)Protein: 15g (30%)Fat: 20g (31%)Saturated Fat: 2g (13%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 41mg (14%)Sodium: 736mg (32%)Potassium: 129mg (4%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 91IU (2%)Vitamin C: 1mg (1%)Calcium: 295mg (30%)Iron: 4mg (22%)
Eha says
I am a definite meat-lover but have regularly eaten tofu for about 60 years of my life ! Absolutely love it !! Usually do get the firm kind to grill or dice for stir-fries . . . lovely recipe . . . so very easy and SO terrifically tasty !!! I live in the country but every shop and supermarket does keep – with salad please or wraps work so well . . .,
Nagi says
Nice Eha, such a great alternative to meat! N x
Sue says
I haven’t tried the tofu yet but I want you tell you I love your recipes. I reach for Nagi almost every night. I am in my late 70s and cooking dinner is the highlight of each day for me. Your recipes are clear, concise and delicious. I am falling in love with Dozer too!
Nagi says
Sue that’s so lovely to hear, you’ve made my day!!! 🥰 N x
Anne says
Dozer is sooo cute in his robe 😀if I lived in Sydney I would love to pitch in and volunteer,Greetings from Perth,And Stay Safe to you all xx
Nagi says
I knew he’d steal the show! As always 😂 N x
Sarah says
Hi nagi,
I’m definitely going to give this a try (trying to cut back on meat!)
What would you recommend to serve with?
Thanks
Sarah
Nagi says
Hi Sarah, if you have a look at the post above, I have a section titled “What to serve with Sesame-Crusted Tofu” – you’ll find some great ideas here. N x
Amber says
I believe it would compliment very well sauteed bok choy or sauteed spinach with sesame oil, minced garlic, salt and pepper